According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 4,679 workers were killed on the job in 2014. Of those killed, 20.5 percent were in construction. That means one in five worker deaths in 2014 were construction workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified these four types of accidents, calling them the “Fatal Four,” as the leading causes for deaths in construction workers:
- Falls
- Electrocutions
- Struck by an object
- Caught-in/between
The BLS estimates that if these four accidents were eliminated, 508 workers’ lives would be saved every year. Unfortunately, the most frequently cited OSHA standards violated by construction sites can lead to these types of accidents.
Since it is such a dangerous industry to work in, how can construction workers stay safe at their job? Here’s a few tips for workers to keep in mind:
- Get proper training on equipment
- Watch out for any live wires
- Double-check your work areas. For instance, make sure scaffolds and ladders are secure before getting on them.
- Make sure equipment is in good condition and there’s no wear and tear on the machine.
- Wear protective clothing such as gloves and eyewear
If you are a construction worker in New Jersey and you get into a construction site accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Before sending in a claim, make sure you have an experienced lawyer check it out. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.